Inside It Stylist Masha Orlov's Closet

Stylist, wardrobe designer, trend forecaster, designer confidant, contributor to Purple and L'Officiel...sounds like a brief for any stylish lady's ultimate dream job. And yes, Queens-born New Yorker Masha Orlov not only has such a resume, her chic and eclectic apartment proves it 10-fold. Having snapped Masha around town a few times—we love her no-nonsense approach to gritty glamour—we were more than delighted to have an invitation inside her pad and enviable closet. Read on for this City girl's dress-up manifesto.

In the living room in a vintage Chanel jacket, Nicolas Andreas Taralis jeans, and customized vintage shoes. Enlarge Image

Masha in her bedroom wearing an Olaf Breuning for Pleasure Principle tank top and Jeremy Scott sunglasses. Enlarge Image

Do you have a secret store that you're willing to reveal, or a favorite neighborhood shopping spot?
"All I can say is you really need to keep your eyes open...the best stuff sometimes comes from the most unexpected places. But I admit, I love Beacon's Closet and Tokio 7 in NYC."

A filing cabinet holds all Masha's vintage jewelry collected from her travels around the world. View image

If you could swap closets with anyone living or dead who would it be?
"I'm happy with my clothes, I just need a bigger closet!"

On the street outside her house wearing a Levi's leather biker jacket, shredded Obesity & Speed T-shirt, Victoria Secret bra, tie-dye Kill City jeans, and Report Signature shoes. Enlarge ImageDoes your style have a theme song?
"There are two: 'The Promise' by When In Rome and 'Breakdown' by Carol."

Tell us, is there anything in your closet that you simply cannot bear to throw away?
"Oh yes, many pieces, actually, especially presents. I'm sentimental. There are two pieces in particular from Charles Anastase's first collection—a hand-painted silk T-shirt and hand painted silk dress. They are so fragile and special that I can never wear them but the pieces never leave my closet. Maybe finally after almost 10 years of owning them, I will wear them this summer.

We love giving our readers tips from ladies like yourself. Do you have any tricks of the trade that you could share with us?
"Mine is simple: dress up, have fun with fashion, that's what it's there for."

What inspires your styling? And who are some of your favorite people to work with?
"Pretty much everyone around me is inspiring: my colleagues and confidants, and I especially love doing editorials for Purple Fashion and working with my designer friends Jeremy Scott, Zac Posen, Obesity & Speed, and Mara Hoffman."

Your style is kind of daring—is there anything that freaks you out though, that you wouldn't be caught wearing?
"Polyester. Unless it is incredible in design or the quality of the fabrication is exceptional."

We love that your closet is really messy...how do you find anything in there?
"Yes, I can always find everything because it is always organized, even if looks messy. Sort of like my own brand of organized chaos!"

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